Valved container caps



Dec. 16, 1969 A. MI CALLEF VALVED CONTAINER CAPS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 2.

Filed Jan. 25, 1965 FIG.

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INVENTOR LEWIS A MICALLEF BY MM I D ZZ J, la ATTORNEYS Dec. 16, 1969 L. A. MICALLEF 3,484,027

VALVED CONTAINER CAPS Filed Jan. 25, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR LEWIS A. MICALLEF BY W Dec: 16, 1969 L. A. MI'CA'LLEF VALVED CONTAINER CAPS Filed Jan. 25, 1965 F/GJZ 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 SNVENTOR LEWIS A. MICALLEF United States Patent 3,484,027 VALVIED CONTAINER CAPS Lewis A. Micailef, New York, N.i(., assignor to Leeds and Mieailef, New York, N.Y., a partnership Filed Jan. 25, 1965, Ser. No. 427,871 Int. Cl. BGSc 1/00; 156711 5/22; 365d 47/30 US. Cl. 222-554 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLDSURE A cap member adapted to be attached to the exterior of the mouth of a container having a fluid to be dispensed therein. The cap member includes means for sealingly engaging the inside of the mouth of the container, and means for mounting a rotatable valve stem. The valve stem has a longitudinally extending passageway extending partially therethrough which communicates with a radial passageway in the stem. The cap member includes passageway means for permitting controlled communication of the radial passageway in the valve stem with the interior of the container.

This invention relates to a new and improved valved container cap or container closure for dispensing liquids from a container. More particularly, this invention relates to a new and improved container closure adapted for dispensing fluids having varying viscosity characteristics. Thus, the present invention is useable with ditferent types of containers, i.e., flexible or rigid, and with different forms of dispensing spouts.

The present invention is particularly useful for dispensing liquid detergents such as commonly used by housewives for cleaning dishes, but can also be used for dispensing other types of liquids such as mens after shave lotion, depilatory liquids, creams and other like fluids. In some embodiments of this invention the dispensing means also serves as an applicator.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a novel valve and cap arrangement which remains structurally the same when the device is modified for dispensing of a variety of different types of fluids.

In the prior art and on the open market there are a number of closure valve constructions for dispensing various kinds of liquids. However, such devices have been found to be too expensive and difficult to manufacture for the mass production market where as many as fifty million such devices may be needed each year and production costs and time must be kept to an absolute minimum in order to remain competitive. Another objection to prior art devices is that they have been unsuccessful in eliminating dripping from the spout resulting in a messy and unattractive appearance of the container after only short periods of use. These failures and short comings of prior art devices have provided a need for a new and improved valve closure which is versatile, attractive in appearance, inexpensively manufactured, easily assembled and functionally superior.

In accordance with the present invention a valve closure is provided which eliminates dripping, is attractive in appearance, adaptable to dispensing many different types of fluids, and inexpensive and relatively easy to manufacture.

In accordance with this invention means are provided for facilitating entry of the valve stem into the cap member, for preventing relative longitudinal movement between these elements after assembly while permitting leaktight relative rotational movement.

As embodied, the valve stem is provided with an extension which is radially inwardly flexible during insertion of the stem into the boss but normally biased to ice:

a position wherein a portion of the extension will overlap a portion of the cap after insertion to prevent disassembly of these parts. In addition, means is attached to the extension and to the valve stem to assist in inserting the valve into the boss and for strengthening the extension after insertion. The cap member is preferably made of synthetic material such as polstyrene plastic and the valve member of synthetic material such as polyethylene plastic to provide natural lubrication of this valve.

Another feature of the present invention eleminates the tolerance problem occurring where different types of colors of plastic materials must be assembled with a leaktight fit. This problem is particularly acute and related to leaks resulting during shipping Where such devices are subject to abnormal abuse sometimes resulting in undesirable leaking of the fluid in the container. It will be understood that its is possible with the present invention for the different parts to be made of different color plastics which plastics have different shrinkage characteristics making it almost impossible for a single tolerance to cover all such variations in the shrinkage characteristics.

In accordance with this invention a new and novel method and structural relationship is provided which substantially eliminates the tolerance problem. As embodied, the valve stem member is manufactured oversize as compared to the opening in the cap member, the major portion of the stem in said cap member having an outside diameter up to about .010 in. larger than the inside diameter of the opening in the cap member prior to its insertion, and the stem member is shaped with a recessed step so as to permit it to resiliently contract during assem bly so that it is possible to insert the stem into the cap member resulting after assembly in a snug, leakproof fit which permits relative rotational movement therebetween. When the assembly of cap and stem is accomplished, manipulation or immediate rotational movement therebetween could be exceedingly diflicult and therefore would not be commercially acceptable. This condition, however, corrects itself with time by relaxing, usually some twenty-four hours, because advantage is taken of a cold flow process which takes place and which is only characteristic with plastics. Thereafter, the stern can be easily rotated while the tight, leakproof fit is maintained.

Another important feature of the present invention is its versatility for use in dispensing a variety of different types of liquids. As embodied, the dispensing portion of the valve, the above described valve and cap portion can be readily changed without changing the basic valve structure for use in dispensing different types of fluids.

Thus in one preferred embodiment of the invention the dispensing portion of the valve is formed generally in the shape of a pointer having suflicient vertical height to be grasped by the fingers and a small radial flange at the outer end thereof. As will be noted hereinafter, the height of the dispensing portion is also related to the cap member so that fluid dispensed from the spout will not impinge upon the cap member. This embodiment of the invention is particularly adapted for dispensing detergents.

In another form of the invention the dispensing portion of the valve is generally frusto-conically shaped and has stop means indicating the open and closed position of the valve. This embodiment is particularly adapted for dispensing cream like substances and the dispensing portion also functions as an applicator.

In another form of the invention the dispensing portion of the valve is in the shape of an elongated removable spout and is particularly adapted for dispensing hair lotions and the like.

In still another modification of the invention the dispensing portion of the valve is in the form of a removable absorbent disk and is for example adapted for dispensing and applying a depilatory substance.

With the foregoing in mind it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved valve closure mechanism which is attractive in appearance, inexpensively manufactured, easily assembled and adapted for dispensing a variety of liquids.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved closure mechanism which sealingly engages the mouth of the container and includes a rotatable valve member for dispensing the liquid in the container.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved valve closure mechanism including a cap member engaging the container and a valve stem member which can be readily inserted into the cap and maintained in the inserted position by a snap acting element.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved valve closure mechanism including a cap member adapted to engage and seal the mouth of the container and having a rotatable valve stem engaging the cap wherein the valve stem includes a resilient extension adapted to engage the cap member to prevent relative longitudinal movement therebetween.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved valve closure mechanism including means for indicating when the valve is open and closed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved valve mechanism which is substantially dripless in operation wherein the parts thereof are selfsealing and self-lubricating.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved means and method for assembly of the stem and cap member eliminating leakage therebetween.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved fluid dispenser and applicator.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be obvious herefrom or may be learned by practice of the invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings referred to herein and constituting a part hereof illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a valve closure mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the structure in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. '1 showing the valve in the open position.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 showing the valve closure in the open position.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the valve closure in the closed position.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the valve closure mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a valve member in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a broken away sectional perspective view of a cap member in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing modification of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 1212 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another modification of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view showing another modification of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the modification of FIG. 15 in operative relationship.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

Referring now to the drawing, a preferred form of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-10. This form of the invention is particularly adaptable for dispensing fluids such as detergents. As shown therein the container 1 having a mouth 4 is closed at one end by a cap member 6.

In accordance with this invention mean are provided wherein the cap member sealingly engages the mouth 4 of the container 2. The cap 6 is removably engageable with the outside of the mouth 4 of the container by means such as the threads 8. It will be appreciated, however. that the invention herein is not limited to an arrangement wherein the cap member is removable from the container.

Located on the interior top surface of the cap and extending into the mouth of the container is a boss 10 having a central aperture 12. Concentric with and spaced from the boss member is a sealing flange 14 which sealingly engages the inside of the mouth of the container see FIG. 3). The sealing flange 14 is relatively thin compared to the boss member and its outside diameter is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the mouth so that when the sealing flange is inserted into the mouth of the container it will have the tight sealing engagement therewith.

Cooperating with the cap member is a rotatable valve member 15 which includes a valve stem 16 and a dispensing portion 18. While the construction, shape and form of the visible dispensing portion varies with the type of liquid being dispensed, as will be explained with regard to various modifications set forth herein, the stem portion of the valve and its relationship to the cap member 6. remains identical in the variou embodiments disclosed herein.

As embodied, the stem 16 has a longitudinal passageway 20 extending through a portion thereof which is in communication with a radial passageway 22 in the side of the stem.

In order that the radial passageway 22 can communicate with the interior of a container 2 passageway means are provided in the boss member 10. As embodied, the passageway means comprises a longitudinal slot 24 formed in the boss member.

It is desirable that the angular position of the sides of the slot should be maintained within certain predetermined limits to obtain optimum results. Thus, on the one hand if the slot is too large the remaining surface area between the valve stem and the boss may not be sufiicient to prevent play between these parts resulting in leakage. Alternatively, if the slot is too small the rate of flow of the fluid being dispensed may be too small.

According to this invention the ends 27 of the slot are angularly positioned relative the center of the valve stem to eliminate the aforesaid problems. Thus it has been found that this angle indicated by designation A in FIGURE 2 should not be greater than about 120 or less than about degrees. Preferably, this angle should be about for optimum surface contact and rate of flow. In addition, the relationship between the slot 24 and radial opening 22 is such that the flow can be controlled from a steady stream to drops by adjusting the angular position of the valve stem.

In accordance with this invention means are provided for permitting ease of assembly of the valve stem and the cap member, for preventing relative longitudinal displacement of these parts after assembly while permitting leakproof relation rotation thereof.

As embodied, this means comprises an extension 28 on the valve stem which is radially resilient and adapted to engage the bottom of the boss after insertion of the stem into the cap member. At the junction of the stem extension 23 and the valve stem 16 a pair of notches 39 are formed. The extension 28 is substantially semi-circular and is shaped generally like a horseshoe. The notches 39 give the ends of the extension radial resiliency. A strengthening and guiding web 32 is provided which extends angularly from the bottom of the valve stem to the bottom of the extension as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As the valve stem 1:; is guided into the aperture 12 by the web 32 the distal ends of the extension are radially compressed and maintained in such compressed position as the valve stem is forced through the aperture.

When the valve stem has been fully inserted into the aperture the distal ends of the extension spring radially outwardly to overlap the bottom of the boss 19 as shown in FIG. 2. When in this position the valve stem cannot be moved longitudinally with respect to the cap member and the parts are firmly locked together against longitudinal movement.

The general horseshoe shape of the flexible extension results in substantially reducing assembly problems while improving the functional results of the closure valve. horseshoe shape of the extension results in increased flexibility and ease of assembly and eliminates scratching or scoring of the bore in the cap member resulting in possible leakage.

It should also be noted that the axis of aperture 22 and notches 39 are parallel resulting in a valve stem which can be molded with a relatively simple mold permitting rapid and inexpensive molding.

The invention further includes a structure which eliminates the tolerance problems created where a leaktight fit is required between two materials having different shrinkage rates. This can result from use of different types of plastics or plastics having diflerent shrinkage characteristics, e.g., plastics with different colors. As embodied, the valve stem 16 is made oversize so that its diameter is considerably larger than the diameter of the opening 12. The amount of such oversize being in the magnitude of .010 of an inch. Normally, of course, such a magnitude would result in interference between the valve stem and aperture 12 which would prevent their assembly particularly since the valve stem is not in its entirety tubular in form.

This problem is overcome in accordance with this invention by forming an annular recessed step 25 above the extension 28 which overlaps the longitudinal passageway 2t) as can be seen in FIGURE 4.

By reason of the annular recessed step 26 and its overlapping relationship with the passageway 23, the stem in its entirety responds to outside pressure as if it were a tubular member. Hence the stern contracts as inserted into the cap member and after insertion will exert an outwardly directed force on the cap member which elimin s leakage therebetween. This annular recessed step, which is of a reduced diameter, encompasses that portion of the stem which would ofi'er the greatest resistance to insertion and cold flow.

The annular recess is no greater in diameter than the hole in the boss, and because all of the solid portion below the longitudinal hole in the stem is within this reduced diameter it cannot impede insertion of the stem. Moreover, it facilitates assembly in that it provides a lead and all high interference contact takes place on the tubular portion of the stem which has less resistance to compression.

The fact that no part of the solid portion below the longitudinal hole in the stem is in contact with the wall of the boss, allows for rapid relaxation of the stem to its final size. This final size is reached when the outwardly directed force of the stem gives way to the resis ance it meets against the inner wall of the boss by cold flowing until a balance is reached between the resiliency of the stem and the pressure it exerts against the inner wall of the boss.

The above feature has been found to not only reduce the problems attendant in maintaining strict tolerances but also to provide a structure which resists leakage even during the abuse of shipping.

In the preferred form of the invention, FIGS. 110, the dispensing portion of the valve comprises a vertically extending web 34- having a sufiicient height to be grasped by the fingers of the user and having the general tapered shape of a pointer (see FIG. 1).

The height of the spout member also results in improved operation of the closure valve in that it is related to the cap member.

Thus the distance D between the top of the spout and the outer edge of the cap member 6 is such that even when the container is full (and only a relatively small tilting angle is required to dispense liquid therein) the path of the fluid will not impinge upon the cap member.

Indicating means are provided on the upper surface cap member which cooperate with the pointer to inform the user of the position of the valve, i.e., openclosed. As best seen in FIG. 1 the words open and closed are formed on the top surface of the cap.

Means are provided in accordance with this invention for preventing accidental opening of the valve closure while the container is in shipment.

This means, as embodied herein, includes a tip 36 at the tapered end of the pointer. A pair of stops 38 are located at the limits of the closed position. As noted hereinbefore, the valve member is made of a relatively soft material such as a polyethylene plastic whereas the cap member is made of a relatively hard material such as polystyrene. Accordingly, when the tip 36 is positioned between the stops 38, the stops will prevent the tip from passing beyond such stops when the container is subjected to the normal abuse occurring during shipment. On the other hand, the characteristics of the material as described above are such that the pointer can be turned by hand to move the pointer to the open position since the tip will ride over re stop members. It is preferred that the tip and stop members be located adjacent the end of the pointer and not adjacent the center of the pointer so as to permit the tip 36 to ride over the stops 38 to open the valve when desired.

In the preferred form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-10 means are provided for causing a sharp cut off at the end of the pouriru operation. This means, as embodied herein, includes a small radially extending flange as at the discharge end of the valve stem. This small flange materially assists in a sharp cut off of the stream of liquid at the end of the pouring operation and assists in preventing formation of drops which cause an unsightly mess.

()ne of the advantages of the present invention is that it is adapted to discharge a variety of different types of liquids without any change in the internal structure or the cooperation between the valve stem and cap member.

A modified form of the invention is disclosed in FIGS. lll2. In this form of the invention the dispensing portion 42 of the valve has a generally frustro-conical form and stop means are provided in cooperation with indicating means for informing the user of the open and closed position. As embodied a pin 44 is attached to the under side of the frusto-conical member which rides in a radial slot 46 in the top surface of the cap. Stop 45 is located on the bottom surface of slot 46 adjacent the closed position to prevent accidental opening of the valve dispenser 42 is smooth permitting its use as an applicator which can be rubbed on the surface to which the fluid in the container is to be applied.

In 13-14 another form of the invention is disclosed. in this form of the invention the dispensing portion of the valve comprises a relatively flat section 48 enga ing the top of the cap member. Merging with the flat section 48 is an elongated spout 50. The stop and indicating means in the FIGS. 13 and 14 embodiment comprises a pin 51 on the upper surface of the cap member which rides in a radial slot 52 in the flat section 48 of the valve member. A stop member 51A is provided adjacent the closed position to prevent accidental opening of the valve. The ends of the slot 52 are adjacent to the words open and closed and the arrows 53 inform the user of the position of the valve.

One of the advantages of this particular construction is that section 48 is a standard part constructed so as to accommodate spouts 50 having different colors or shapes as desired. Thus the section 4-8 is made with an opening 4 including a small annular recess 49A adapted to receive a spout 56 having an annular external annulus 49 which cooperates with recess 49A to maintain these parts in assembled position. In each instance the distance D between the edge of the spout and the cap member is sufiicient to prevent impingement of liquid on the cap member.

Again, as can best be seen in FIG. 14, internal structure of the valve stem and cap combination is the same as in FIGS. 1-10.

In FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 a still further embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. This form of the invention is particularly adapted for dispensing fluids. In this embodiment of the invention the valve member has a relatively fiat section 54- with a vertically extending flange 56 at the periphery. Mounted in the recess caused by the flange 56 is a disposable disk member 58 having a backing 60 made of cardboard or the like attached Wit an applicator disk 62 which can be made of a plastic foam. Extending from the backing 60 is a tab 63 adapted to be positioned in the slot and to thereby be utilized as the handle for moving the valve member to the open and closed positions as can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17. Indicia means appear on the stationary portion of the valve for indicating the open and closed position of the valve. The internal structure in cooperation between the valve stem and the cap member can be the same as in previous figures but is not limited thereto.

In this invention the applicator disk is a disposable item which can. be disposed of and replaced after its continued use is no longer desirable.

It will be appreciated that the valve closure mechanism disclosed herein is constructed and arranged so that it is particularly adapted to be made of plastic material by molding. Thus the structure herein permits manufacture by split molding techniques by mold having relatively few moving parts which can be made and maintained inexpensively while permitting rapid molding of such parts.

It is understood that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific elements shown and described, but also contemplates within the scope of the accompanying claims any departures made from such elements which do not sacrifice its chief advantages.

What is claimed is:

1. A valve closure for dispensing liquids from a container comprising: a cap member attached to one end of the container having a centrally located boss member extending towards the interior of the container, an aperture in the boss member, a flange member spaced from said boss member and adapted to engage the inside of the mouth of the container in sealing relationship, a valve member, said valve including a valve stem mounted for rotation in said boss member, said valve stem having communicating radial and axial openings, and an pen ing in said boss member adapted to communicate with said radial opening thereby permitting selective opening and closing of the valve closure, a radially resilient extension extending from one end of said valve stem, said extension having portions which are radially compressible to permit assembly of said valve stem member and said boss member, said radially extending portions being adapted to cooperate with said boss member to prevent disassembly of said valve and said boss member, wherein said resilient extension has a semi-circular shape.

2. A valve closure for dispensing liquids from a 0 tainer comprising: a cap member attached to one end of the container having a centrally located boss member extending towards the interior of the container, an aperture in the boss member, a flange member spaced from said boss member and adapted to engage the inside or the mouth of the container in sealing relationship, a valve member, said valve including a valve stem mounted for rotation in said boss member, said valve stem having communicating radial and axial openings, and an opening in said boss member adapted to communicate with said radial opening thereby permitting selective opening and closing of the valve closure, a radially resilient extension extending from one end of said valve stem, said extension having portions which are radially compressible to permit assembly of said valve stem member and said boss member, said radially extending portions being adapted to cooperate with said boss member to prevent disassembly of said valve and said boss member, wherein said valve includes a dispensing portion, said dispensing portion being shaped generally like a pointer and having sufficient vertical height to be grasped by the fingers of the user and a radially extending flange at the distal end and said dispensing portion, wherein stop means are provided for preventing opening of said valve While the device is in shipment, and wherein said stop means includes a tip on said pointer and a pair of stops on said cap member.

3. A valve closure for dispensing liquids from a container comprising: a cap member adapted for removable engagement with the exterior of a container, a boss member having a longitudinal aperture extending from interior surface of the cap member, a valve member including a stem portion mounted for rotatable sealing engagement with said cap member, a longitudinal passageway extending partially through said stem member, a radial passageway in said stem member communicating with said longitudinal passageway, means at one end of said valve stem cooperating with said cap member for preventing relative longitudinal movement between said valve member and said cap member, said means comprising an extension of said stem having a generally semi-circular shape, said extension being radially flexible whereby during insertion of said stern into said boss member said extension flexes radially inwardly until inserted beyond the bottom of said boss at which time said extension flexes radially outwardly to overlap the bottom of said boss and positioned close to said boss restraining withdrawal, and a slot in said boss adapted to communicate with said radial passageway.

4. A device as defined in claim 3 wherein said valve member includes a vertically extending Web in the form of a pointer extending above the top surface of the cap member, said stern having a radially extending flange at the outer end thereof.

5. A device as defined in claim 4 having an angularly positioned web extending from said valve stem to said extension.

6. A device as defined in claim 4, wherein said valve member includes a dispensing means mounted on file upper surface of said cap member and pin and slot means for limiting rotational movement of said dispensing means relative to said cap member.

7. A device as defined in claim 6 wherein said pin is integral with said cap member.

8. A device as defined in claim 3 wherein said dispensing means comprises an absorbent disposable disk.

9. A depilatory applicator comprising: a container for depilatory fluid, valve means for permitting dispensing of said fluid, an applicator adapted to receive fluid from the container, said applicator being relatively flat and having an opening adapted to receive a portion of said valve means, said Valve means including a flange for maintaining the applicator on said valve means, said applicator including an absorbent disk having a tab thereon,

and means operatively associating said tab and said valve means so that movement of said tab controls said valve means, said appiicator being removable by lifting said tab means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Withers 15394 Kingrnan 222548 X Miller 29453 10 Ratlifi 15594 Van Esley 15569 Sidenius 222548 X Harvey 29-453 FOREIGN PATENTS 1895 Great Britain. 1/ 1965 Great Britain.

ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner F. R. HANDREN, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

